OCEAN COUNTY CELEBRATES 300TH FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER
IT’S A STAPLE of the American Dream – to own a home.
Today, thanks in part to the Ocean County First-Time Homebuyers Program, Diane Forlenza’s dream has come true.
Forlenza was recognized at a press conference in Toms River today, on the last day of National Homeownership
Month, as the 300th homebuyer who has been assisted by this important county program.
“For many Americans, owning a home represents freedom and independence,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little who
serves as liaison to Human Services and the Department of Planning. “We believe every person deserves that same
independence and we relish the opportunity to assist those who need help achieving that goal.”
The First-Time Homebuyers program is designed to assist eligible low and moderate income Ocean County residents
in the purchase of a home.
The program is made possible through cooperation between the Board of Chosen Freeholders and area financial
institutions; and provides reduced bank fees and closing costs, as well as, down payment assistance to pre-approved
homebuyers.
Funding for the down payment subsidies comes from the County of Ocean Consortium’s HOME grant, provided by the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), overseen by the Ocean County Department of Planning.
“Since the inception of the program in 1994, the county has allocated more than $2 million to support it,” said
Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “We are excited to celebrate the 300th homebuyer made possible through this
program.”
Forlenza, a single mother who runs her own cleaning business, grew up in Island Heights. She discovered the
First-Time Homebuyers program while researching online. Deciding to pursue it, she went to O.C.E.A.N. Inc., program
administrators, to learn more from their supportive and caring staff.
“It truly is a miracle,” she said. “There is a lot of work involved in this program but if you’re willing to
work for it, you can achieve it.”
Forlenza attended the required eight hours of training through a HUD-certified counselor education program provided by
O.C.E.A.N. Inc.
“The classes were actually fun and very interesting. They taught me a lot about buying a home,” said Forlenza.
“Every aspect of this program was beneficial. If I had any questions, the O.C.E.A.N. Inc. staff was completely
understanding and helped right away.”
She also had to satisfy the criteria to be eligible for the program and then was granted $10,000 in the form
of a deferred loan agreement for a period of six years.
The money is put toward a down payment and closing costs. If the homeowner remains in the home for the six
years, the loan is forgiven.
Finally, she purchased her first home for $199,900 in the Borough of Lakehurst.
As a single mother, having adopted an abandoned child, Forlenza is also a recipient of a 1% mortgage through
the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) kinship program.
“Through this program, I have secured my daughter’s future. She can grow up here and never have to move again,”
Forlenza said. “Our church is here and the school system is great; this is exactly where I wanted to raise my daughter,
Rose.”
These first-time homebuyer funds have leveraged a total real estate value of over $36 million for homes
purchased within Ocean County.
The county continues to leverage funds by partnering with other programs such as New Jersey Department of
Consumer Affairs Smart Start program, Section 8, Habitat for Humanity, Homes Now Affordable Homes, Affordable Housing
Alliance, Lenders Savers Club, U.S.D.A. Rural Development and various lending institutions mortgage programs.
Diane Johnson, Director of HUD Newark Field office noted they are pleased with the cooperative efforts between
HUD and Ocean County officials.
O.C.E.A.N. Inc. is also collaborating with the Department of Community Affairs and NJHMFA to ensure that their
Section 8 clients have an equal opportunity for homeownership in Ocean County.
Ocean County has the highest success rate in the state for transitioning Section 8 clients from rental to
homeownership.
“The First-Time Homebuyers program brings together county, state and local government agencies, participating
area lending institutions, O.C.E.A.N. Inc., which is a non-profit organization as well as others in a cooperative effort
to increase the opportunity for low and moderate income residents to own a home,” said Little.
Forlenza expressed her gratitude for the program and the people who have helped her along the way.
“I highly recommend this program, without the grant I would have never been able to afford my own home,”
Forlenza said. “It is an excellent opportunity that everyone has the right to know about.”
to the Ocean County News Page